Old Port Art Festival

Maine Art Walks to Experience This Year

From its picturesque coastal towns to its many parks and hiking trails, Maine is well-known for its natural beauty. But Maine is becoming more and more renowned for its art scene.

Friday Art Walks have become quite popular in recent years and there are more than a dozen fantastic Maine Artwalks to experience this year. It’s a chance to visit several art galleries and museums in one afternoon or evening with a handy map, and really see the best of the art scene in the Pine Tree State.

Introducing Yourself to Maine Art at Maine Art Hill in Kennebunkport

The Maine Art Hill in Kennebunkport is home to nine unique art galleries in 4 separate buildings – The Gallery, Shows, The Grand, and Studios.

The Gallery is open year-round and is one of Southern Maine’s premier art gallery destinations representing over 40 Maine and regional artists.

Each artist has some connection to Maine whether they are from here, live here currently, or are lucky enough to spend time here when they can. Several artists are known nationally and some are known worldwide.

Shows is located in a historic home at 10 Chase Hill and offers an intimate gallery setting for viewing original artwork. Art shows here run through most of the summer from June to September.

The Grand features new works from select artists from The Gallery.

Studios is a collection of seven micro galleries aimed at showcasing artisans and high-quality artists. The seven micro-galleries include:

  • The Works is an extension of The Gallery dedicated to 3-D and abstract art.
  • Pop-Up, is a rotating, weekly showcase of Maine artists during the spring and fall with special shows during the fall and winter.
  • Photography galleries showcase images from five different and well-known Maine photographers.
  • Framing is available for artists and customers to find the perfect frame to protect and enhance their pieces.
Old Port Art Festival

Exploring the Best Maine Art Walks

Some of our favorite art walks in Maine include:

First Friday Art Walk | Portland

The First Friday Art Walk in Portland is very well-regarded. Galleries throughout downtown Portland and the Old Port open their doors, serve snacks and encourage art lovers to browse their galleries in the early evening during the first weekend of the month on Friday.

Now more Maine towns and villages are offering art walks, free of charge. Customers will also find Maine-made jewelry, sculptures, and much more.

First Friday Arts Tour | Boothbay Harbor

Boothbay Harbor has First Friday Arts Tour from 9-9 with an Art Trail Map at the Boothbay Harbor Chamber. https://www.boothbayregister.com/article/first-friday-art-tours-july-1/161998

Bath Art Hop

Fun-seekers and art enthusiasts can check out this event, which takes between 4 -7 pm on the third Friday of the month through the middle of August. Visitors can stroll through downtown on free, self-guided tours of art featuring local artists, open galleries, and live music. There’s also a local beer garden to grab a drink as you walk. https://www.batharthop.com/

Belfast Arts in the Park

This event has been going strong for more than 25 years and is one of the most popular arts events in Maine’s midcoast. The venue is big and right by the ocean, allowing visitors to see the ocean as they take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the festival. https://belfastmaine.org/members/arts-in-the-park/

Biddeford and Saco Artwalk

These self-guided tours seem to offer something different to visitors every time. Visitors can see some magnificent work by local artists, and stop into businesses like cafes and shops, which also display local artwork.

The walks take place from May through October from 5-8 p.m., rain or shine.

Bangor First Fridays 

These celebrations are held on the first Friday of each month and offer visitors a chance to view art, shop, drink, and enjoy activities such as live theater performances live music, and so much more in Bangor’s downtown historic district.

Brunswick Art Walks

Downtown Brunswick’s wide sidewalks are the perfect place to host four different art walks this year from June through September. Event activities include sidewalk displays of art, downtown galleries, and displays in local shops, restaurants, and other spots. The events also include entertainers and musicians.

The art walks will happen from 4-7 p.m. on the second Friday of the month https://brunswickdowntown.org/events/2nd-friday-brunswick/

Camden Art Walks

Camden Art Walks are held on the third Thursday of each month from May through October.

Opening receptions start at 5 p.m. at Camden’s galleries and shops. http://www.camdenartwalk.com/

Kennebunk Kennebunkport Village Art Walks 

These events happen on the second Friday of every month, with an Art Trail of the Kennebunks self-guided map, from 5-7 p.m., from June through December. There are open houses at galleries, studios, and boutiques in Dock Square and Ocean Avenue, as well as Lower Village Kennebunk and downtown Kennebunk on Main Street.

Kingfield Artwalk 

These art walks typically take place several months out of the year and invite visitors to see work from local artists that includes everything from leather bracelets, to rock painting, to woodblock prints, and photography. https://www.facebook.com/KingfieldArtWalk

Old Port Art Festival

Peaks Island Art Walk 

This one-day event in July takes place at the Fifth Maine Museum on Peak’s Island and is billed part arts and crafts fair and part treasure hunt. Visitors will get a chance to visit with local artists right in their homes. The artists are selling their homemade wares, offering a chance to buy some one-of-a-kind gifts.

Portland First Friday Artwalk 

These free self-guided tours invite visitors to explore Portland’s many art studios, museums, alternative art venues, and art galleries. These events are popular and are aimed at introducing Portland’s arts community to a wider audience.

The art walks take place between 5-8 pm on the first Friday of the month from July through December.

Presque Isle First Friday Artwalk 

Art enthusiasts can have fun year-round at this event, which takes place on the first Friday of every month. The events are free to the public and offer a chance to celebrate local artists, whose work is displayed at many local businesses. https://www.facebook.com/PI-First-Friday-Downtown-Art-Walk-329623404543933

Rockland First Friday at the Farnsworth

This monthly event from June through October has been going strong for more than a decade. They offers free admission to the Farnsworth Art Museum for visitors to see the Farnsworth galleries. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exhibits . The museum’s Main Street doors also open for early access during the events https://www.farnsworthmuseum.org/

Wiscasset Artwalk 

Visitors are invited to spend a warm summer evening talking a walk around Wiscasset Village and see art, stop and check out local shops, and enjoy great views of the Sheepscot River. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening!

The events take place between 5 -8 pm on the last Thursday each month from June through September. http://www.wiscassetartwalk.org/

Go on a Maine Artwalk Today

With so many places to go and events to choose from, there’s never been a better time to go on an art walk in Maine. You’ll see the very best in art the state has to offer and you’ll marvel at the artistry of the paintings, sculptures, photos, and other pieces of art you see.

Not only will you see the best of Maine art, but the art walks are the perfect way to explore the downtown areas where the art walks are being held. So you can make a day out of viewing art, shopping, exploring, dining, and so much more.

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